Obituary of Fred J. Bianco

Fred J. Bianco, Jr., known as “Jay”, age 84, a life-long resident of Peekskill, NY passed away on January 10, 2015. He was born on October 11, 1930 to Fred J. and Florence (Belford) Bianco. He graduated from Peekskill High School in 1948, St. Bonaventure University with a BS in Chemistry and from Boston University Law School with a JD. He served in the US Army as a First Lieutenant during the Korean War Era. He married Priscilla Walsh on September 30, 1961 in Ossining, NY. A retired Peekskill area Attorney, Mr. Bianco was the former President of the Peekskill Bar Assoc., a Former member of the NYS Bar Assoc., Westchester Co. Bar Assoc.; and the NYS Trial Lawyers Assoc. He was admitted to practice in the US Supreme Court. Mr. Bianco was the former Democratic Mayor of the City of Peekskill, serving three terms from 1976 to 1981. He deeply believed public service was his obligation to serve the City that had given him so much. During his tenure Riverfront Green was dedicated as a Public Park, allowing all the citizens of Peekskill to share in the magnificent Waterfront of the City he loved so dearly. He thought it was the most beautiful view in the world. In addition, the current Peekskill Police, Courthouse and Library, and the Centennial Hose Firehouse were constructed during his administration. As Mayor, Jay was instrumental in bringing the Resource Recovery Plant and Industrial Park to Charles Point, as well as saving the Paramount Theater from demolition. His administration also undertook a major downtown revitalization program, including construction of the Division Street Gazebo, and a neighborhood home rehabilitation program. The Mercy College Extension also came to Peekskill under his tenure. Having grown up in a household of limited means during the Great Depression, he always had a great empathy for the disadvantaged, and fought tirelessly to make Peekskill a better place for its citizens. He was an inspiring orator, giving an unforgettable introductory speech for President Carter during his 1975 campaign at Tinker Hall. Amazingly, most of his speeches were improvised at the podium, with passion, intelligence and his unique sense of humor. Jay was very active in sports, playing both high school and semi-pro baseball; He was an avid golfer, having won the Westchester Co. Bar Assoc. low gross twice at Westchester Hills. He also loved traveling, discussing political events, and an occasional good cigar. He was also a member of the Peekskill Elks Lodge 744, the Christopher Columbus Club and a parishioner of the Assumption Church. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Priscilla Walsh Bianco; two children, Fred, III and Amy (James) Margiotta, one grandchild, Melissa Margiotta and a sister, Gloria Ward. Visitation is Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, Peekskill, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, January 15, 2015, 10:00am at the Assumption Church. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.